The balsam's back

Himalayan Balsam grows all round the river. It's an invasive pest, smothering native plants in its very fast growing and widespread self seeding habit. The flowers are pretty enough so you can see why it was introduced as a reliable and cheap plant in the 19th century. But along with giant hogweed and Japanese knotweed it's become an unwelcome visitor. If there's a Balsam bashing session anywhere near you you should try to get along.

In other news there's a herring gull chick stuck in a bit of public garden space along the road. It's far too young to fly so it must have fallen out of the nest. The adults are guarding it very closely and if you are anywhere in the vicinity you can expect to be divebombed. It's quite scary.